The Rotarians in the state of Georgia in the U.S. provide each year some eighty scholarships to students from other countries for one-year university studies or colleges in Georgia. With these grants, the purpose is to create Good Will and understanding across the borders.

The business has been going on continuously since 1946 and has so far included approximately 2400 students, of which three-quarters come from European countries. During the current academic year, eleven Swedish youths received a scholarship.

The scholarships cover all educational costs such as tuition fees, teaching materials, accommodation and food on campus and a small fund of 400 USD. The travel costs back and forth from the USA and insurance is not included in the awards.

Who can apply?
The candidates must be born no earlier than 1985-08-02 and no later than 1992-07-31 to qualify for a scholarship during the academic year 2010-2011. In other words, the applicant must be at least 18 years and not older than 24 years when the year begins. In contrast to most other Rotary Scholarships, the Georgia Scholarships are open to children of Rotarians.

A few restrictions exist. Applicants may not be married and must not previously have been studied in the U.S. for more than four months. Good academic performance from high school is required to qualify.

At the recent tryouts, over 18 (GPA out of 20) at graduation and over 19 for those who applied the second year was required. In the old grading system, the figure was just over 4.5.

What can the students study?
Many of the schools offering scholarships are small colleges where the studies will be on basic academic level. Usually, it is not a credited year of study in a Swedish academic degree.

The purpose of the studies may be seen as an extension of language skills and general competence, and of course a way to make new contacts. Studies in the sectors of medicine, veterinary medicine or dentistry may not be offered.

The Rotary Club's mission.
Any person applying should be recommended by a Rotary Club. The club assumes no financial responsibility but should after the interview the person should be certified as "a person of high ideals, good moral character, superior academic ability, outstanding leadership qualities, and will represent to the Rotarian of the State of Georgia the Ideals of Rotary."

                                                                              Cecilia Helland